I’m asking because I’m reading very conflicting opinions online. Some say it’s a very rare risk while others claim it does not ever happen. I found only one article on Google Scholar stating it as a side effect but was completely reversible. I already had one procedure but I’m scheduled to have five more and I’m concerned.
Answer: Can Fractional CO2 Laser actually Cause Hypopigmentation? This is an excellent question, and the short answer is yes—there is a risk of hypopigmentation (loss of skin pigment) or even hyperpigmentation (excess pigmentation) following fractional CO2 laser treatments. These risks are well-documented and can affect anyone, but the likelihood is significantly higher in certain skin types, particularly darker skin tones or individuals with underlying skin conditions.
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Answer: Can Fractional CO2 Laser actually Cause Hypopigmentation? This is an excellent question, and the short answer is yes—there is a risk of hypopigmentation (loss of skin pigment) or even hyperpigmentation (excess pigmentation) following fractional CO2 laser treatments. These risks are well-documented and can affect anyone, but the likelihood is significantly higher in certain skin types, particularly darker skin tones or individuals with underlying skin conditions.
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September 18, 2023
Answer: Pigmentation issues Yes, fractional CO2 can cause pigmentation issues. It is much less likely than full field CO2. Fractionated by definition means only a fraction of the skin is treated therefore, pigmentation and scarring are much less of a concern. It really depends on how deep the practitioner is treating as well as other parameters such as the percentage of surface area and the amount of heat that is applied. These are variables that can be adjusted on the laser. A CO2 that is done in the OR with local blocks and sedation is typically a much more aggressive treatment. A series of treatments that are done in the med spa with local numbing only will not typically be as aggressive, thus increasing the number of treatments needed. if the melanocytes are damaged due to heat and depth of treatment, this can lead to issues with pigmentation. Risk of scarring and pigmentation issues with a “Medspa” fractionated CO2 would be very low. I hope this helps. Good luck!
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September 18, 2023
Answer: Pigmentation issues Yes, fractional CO2 can cause pigmentation issues. It is much less likely than full field CO2. Fractionated by definition means only a fraction of the skin is treated therefore, pigmentation and scarring are much less of a concern. It really depends on how deep the practitioner is treating as well as other parameters such as the percentage of surface area and the amount of heat that is applied. These are variables that can be adjusted on the laser. A CO2 that is done in the OR with local blocks and sedation is typically a much more aggressive treatment. A series of treatments that are done in the med spa with local numbing only will not typically be as aggressive, thus increasing the number of treatments needed. if the melanocytes are damaged due to heat and depth of treatment, this can lead to issues with pigmentation. Risk of scarring and pigmentation issues with a “Medspa” fractionated CO2 would be very low. I hope this helps. Good luck!
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August 30, 2022
Answer: Pigmentation after fractional laser Fractional laser can cause hypo and hyperpigmentation so it should be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. We are specialists in fractional CO2 and the sapphire combination lift with co2 and TCA.
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August 30, 2022
Answer: Pigmentation after fractional laser Fractional laser can cause hypo and hyperpigmentation so it should be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. We are specialists in fractional CO2 and the sapphire combination lift with co2 and TCA.
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April 4, 2022
Answer: Hypopigmentation from Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Hypopigmentation is a lightening of the normal skin color. It can occur for many reasons and can be permanent. When seen after laser skin resurfacing, it is typically due to damage to the melanocytes (pigment producing cells) which do not grow back. Fully ablative CO2 laser skin resurfacing of the face in the 1990's commonly caused hypopigmentation that left an obvious line of demarcation along the jawline. I published an article in the medical literature in 1996 describing this complication. It is because of this complication and others that led to the "fractionation" of laser beams now employed in modern lasers. So these days, it is very uncommon to see true hypopigmentation with Fractional Laser Resurfacing. However, it can still occur especially in cases in which too much energy was applied or too many passes were performed.
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April 4, 2022
Answer: Hypopigmentation from Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Hypopigmentation is a lightening of the normal skin color. It can occur for many reasons and can be permanent. When seen after laser skin resurfacing, it is typically due to damage to the melanocytes (pigment producing cells) which do not grow back. Fully ablative CO2 laser skin resurfacing of the face in the 1990's commonly caused hypopigmentation that left an obvious line of demarcation along the jawline. I published an article in the medical literature in 1996 describing this complication. It is because of this complication and others that led to the "fractionation" of laser beams now employed in modern lasers. So these days, it is very uncommon to see true hypopigmentation with Fractional Laser Resurfacing. However, it can still occur especially in cases in which too much energy was applied or too many passes were performed.
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